Urunga Boardwalk Replacement

Temporary Closure

Over 200 metres of the new boardwalk is now open to the public.

In 2026 this section of the boardwalk will remain open with intermittent closures required to move equipment to the areas that are still being built.

Project typeReplacement
Project value$6.1M
Project scheduleImplement
Contractor nameBellingen Shire Council (principal), XINC Engineering Pty Ltd (design and supply) & GPM Marine Constructions Pty Ltd (piling and installation)

Urunga Boardwalk - Aerial shot of water front and boardwalk from the sky

The Urunga Boardwalk Upgrade Project aims to enhance access, safety, and sustainability while preserving the natural environment. The historic boardwalk, which has undergone multiple transformations, requires modernisation to meet current safety standards and provide a secure pathway for all users. The project includes widening the boardwalk to improve accessibility for individuals with mobility issues and wheelchair users, aligning with inclusivity goals. The upgrade also aims to enhance the well-being of the local community, attract more visitors, and support local businesses.

Project Scope

Site establishment and boardwalk closure.
Replacement of over 850 metres of boardwalk including the south arm, break out areas, viewing areas and bench seating.
Widening of boardwalk to be between 2.5 to 3 metres.
Demolition and removal of the existing boardwalk.
Installation of over 300 driven piles made from fibre reinforced polymer (FRP). Piles are the foundation of the boardwalk and will be hammered into the ground.
Installation of the substructure and visible parts of the boardwalk will follow the piling and will be made from FRP, marine grade aluminium and stainless steel. Durable non-slip mesh will be used for the decking.

Timeframe

Construction commenced in July 2025. Partial opening of the boardwalk is anticipated mid December 2025 - end of January 2026. The project is expected to be complete in June 2026 (weather permitting).

November 2025 Progress Update

The Urunga Boardwalk is progressing well with 400 metres of structural components and decking completed in Stage 1 of the project.

We’re now working on Stage 2, to complete the remaining 200 metres of the structure. For Stage 3 (the South Arm) the piles are complete and the structural works will commence in the new year.

As part of Stage 1, our dedicated team have:

Installed 30,000 Rivets
Installed 340 Beams
Completed 400 metres of decking
Completed the first viewing platform

October 2025 Progress Update

We’re currently working on stage one of the Urunga Boardwalk replacement. We have completed 90% of the piling and the majority of the substructure has been completed up to the south arm.

Construction of the decking has now started in some areas, and the project is progressing well.

Did you know as part of the demolition phase we have:

Removed 24,000 screws

Removed 2,000 bolts

Saved 430 metres of timber for reuse

Removed at least 10,000 boards

Sold 65 tonnes of recycled wood to the community

Community Impacts

Closure

The boardwalk is closed to the public during construction, communication was provided to the community via a VMS board and social media.

Saturday Work

Council Bridge Crew and the Piling Contractor delivering the Urunga Boardwalk Replacement will be carrying out work on Saturdays between 8am and 5pm until December 2025.

Work to be completed includes piling for the foundation of the boardwalk and structural works.

Installation of the decking and the balustrading on the structure will follow this work.

As this work is dependent on tidal conditions, our crews schedule works to suit tides. This may result in more on weekend works, with time off during the week to balance their schedule.

Please be aware of increased vehicle movements and construction activity around the boardwalk entrance and car park. If you're visiting the Lido, take extra care and follow all signage for your safety.

Reminder: The boardwalk is an active construction site and must not be entered at any time.

Hazards like unstable surfaces or unattended equipment may be present onsite and can pose serious safety risks, even when no workers are on site.

Noise

Nearby residents can expect moderate and consistent noise from the piling work which will be completed during the standard construction hours of 7am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 5pm on Saturday.

Construction traffic

There will be increased vehicle movements and construction activities near the boardwalk entrance and car park area for the duration of the project. Please use caution in this area and follow signage.

Site compound and laydown area

A site compound and laydown area has been established in the public park near the boardwalk.

Community Engagement:

Regular updates will be made on this page and Council social media pages to update the community on the project as it progresses.

A VMS board will be used for messaging at the site when required.

Council have consulted with key stakeholders including Reflections, Crown Lands, the Local Aboriginal Land Council and Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation (YAC) before the commencement of construction.

Memorial Plaques

The memorial plaques that have not been collected by their owners, are to be safely stored by Council during the demolition stages.

Council is seeking information and contact details of the families connected to these plaques. We are asking the community with any information of the ownership of these plaques, to contact Council to discuss future plans or express their wishes regarding these important memorials.